Well, since the FML is getting so serious these days, I just thought I'd like to lighten it up tell you some things that make my ferrets happy: woven grass rugs that can be bought for less than $5 at a home supply store (itchy Azrael especially likes to scratch his back on these), having the bottoms of their back feet rubbed, and pulling the afghan from the back of the couch and sleeping on it. Azrael, my four-year-old love bug, likes me to carry him around the apartment. I think he just likes to see what I'm doing and rarely tries to jump down, especially if I'm talking to him and scratching his head. This leads me onto the subject of lap ferrets. So many people on the FML have asked about how to get their ferrets to sit with them or to settle down for a couple of minutes. Both of my ferrets (4 and about 1) when they first came were leary of being held and wouldn't fall asleep near me. Both now are very happy to sit on my lap and sleep for relatively long periods of time. My methods: I make a habit of picking up the ferrets just about whenever they walk by me or show interest in what I'm doing. I give them a little scratch and talk to them a little and then put them down so they can go about their business. This way they know that when I pick them up they aren't going to be forced to stay still for long and being held isn't a punishment. When they're a little sleepy, make a comfy spot on your lap with a towel or something. Curl your arms up to make a safe feeling cave for them. Then sit still for as long as they will stay there or until your arms cramp. I also let my ferrets sleep with me (separately as they don't get along), so they associate being close to me with being relaxed. In time, they will come to associate sitting with you as warm and comfortable. Mine will crawl up onto the couch with me for naps and sometimes just to check me before going about their business. My general rules. Never try to make a ferret sit still if it just woke up and is already completely awake. Don't interupt playtime and expect the ferret to sit still. In time they will relax more and more. Azrael practically falls asleep on my lap when I'm cleaning his ears and trimming his nails. George isn't there yet, but he will nap on my lap. Hope this helps. Lorali J Barber Production Editor 301-530-7038 Fax 301-571-8303 [log in to unmask] http://www.faseb.org/ajcn [Posted in FML issue 1831]